Patio or Deck Which Is Right for You

Since decks are built off the ground, they often provide stunning views of your property and the surrounding area.

When the weather turns nice outdoors, no one wants to be cooped up indoors. Adding a patio or deck can extend your living space outside and bring a new dimension to your entertainment venue options. Both provide a unique gathering place for barbeques, impromptu parties or just relaxing under the sun or stars. Plus, you typically enjoy a good return on investment (ROI) to help offset the building expense of either option and you can customize both to match your home decor. Your debate over which is right for you largely hinges on your budget, space and lifestyle, so weigh the pros and cons to determine which one best fits your needs.

What's the Difference?

Although some homeowners use the terms patio and deck interchangeably, there are actually very big differences between the two. A patio is a paved area built directly on the ground that may or may not be attached to your home. A patio's foundation could be made of concrete, pavers, brick, stone, tile or other material that provides a flat surface. Typically, patios won't have a rail and could be covered, but sometimes aren't. Alternately, a deck is built on a platform typically made of wood, vinyl or composite materials. For safety, decks include railings, but usually don't include a roof. Decks are traditionally attached to your home. However, some homeowners choose freestanding decks when their home can't support the weight of an attached structure or for various other reasons, such as to surround an above-ground pool, support a gazebo or overlook a view you can't see from the house.

Patio Pros & Cons

Since patios are level with your lawn, they offer more privacy when you surround it with your landscaping, which also provides ample ways to blend the space with your home decor. However, the biggest perk of building a patio is it's usually much cheaper than building a deck. Your long-term expenses are also less because concrete, stone and pavers are all extremely durable and don't require regular maintenance. Plus, if you build your patio from quality materials, your patio sustains a long lifespan that maintains its value with very little upkeep. Patio installation also rarely requires a building permit or inspection. Altogether, patios not only cost less initially, but also over time, especially when you factor in minimal (if any) replacement costs.

On the downside, patios are best suited for even ground, so if you're working with uneven terrain, your costs can skyrocket when creating a level foundation. If you build your patio with concrete (the cheapest route), there's a high risk of cracking, especially if the soil beneath wasn't properly prepared or your region is prone to extreme temperatures. Some patio materials are also susceptible to staining, are difficult to clean and may easily form ice in colder areas, posing a slip and fall risk.

Deck Pros & Cons

Since decks are built off the ground, they often provide stunning views of your property and/or the surrounding area. This alone can improve your home's resale value, but even without a view, wooden decks typically provide excellent ROIs that could exceed any other home renovation. Decks are easily customizable to blend with your home decor, especially wooden decks you can stain or paint to match the exterior of your home or any color in your design scheme. Also, uneven terrain isn't an issue with deck building, because you can rectify unevenness by adjusting the supports. Wooden decks also naturally absorb and retain less heat, which make them much more comfortable in warmer climates.

One negative aspect of decks is weight restrictions, especially if you intend to add heavier items like a hot tub or full outdoor kitchen. However, the ultimate drawback is the cost. Depending on the materials you use and the size, decks can get quite expensive. Plus, over the long haul, decks require much more maintenance than patios. This includes regular power washing and resealing and re-staining/re-painting every other year. Many cities, including Cleveland, also require a permit before you can build a deck. One Cleveland, OH suburb even requires permits for replacing deck boards or stairs on an existing deck. Since wooden decks are highly susceptible to rotting due to weather and poor maintenance, board replacement is extremely common. Decks have a shorter lifespan altogether, so total replacement is another potential cost factor.

Before you build a patio or deck, ask your insurance representative whether the addition will cause a substantial change in your homeowner's policy and ensure you have appropriate coverage.